A Simple and Easy Shepherd’s Pie for Everyone to Try

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 medium carrots, chopped
• 500g pack lamb mince
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• Worcestershire sauce
• 500ml beef stock
• 900g potatoes, chopped into chunks
• 85g butter
• 3 tbsp milk

How to Prepare Shepherd’s Pie: Simple and Enjoyable Steps

1. Start with Browning Onions

Start by seasoning and heating the sunflower oil in a medium saucepan. Add the onion and carrot into the pan, cooking them until softened.

2. Pan-Fry the Lamb

In the same pan, keep the heat higher and crumble the lamb mince into the pan. Allow it to brown while draining any excess oil.

3. Incorporate Sauce Substances

Add some Worcestershire sauce along with the tomato puree. Allow the mixture to simmer for several minutes.

4. Final Steps in Cooking the Beef Stock Mixture

Add the beef stock and let it simmer. Cook for around 40 minutes, covering halfway through the cooking process.

5. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the filling is cooking, preheat your oven to 180 °C (fan 160°C/gas 4). Boil the 900 grams of potato chunks in salted water for 10-15 minutes until soft. Drain and mash with 85g of butter and 3 tbsp of milk.

6. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

Spoon the lamb mixture into an ovenproof dish. Top with the mashed potato and use a fork to create a ruffled shape. You may assemble the pie at this point and chill or freeze it for up to a month.

7. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie

Bake the dish in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If baking from frozen, heat at 160 °C (fan 140°C/gas 3) for between one hour and one hour twenty, checking if it’s baked through.

8. Let it Rest

Serve the pie after letting it stand for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

Tips for Making the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie

• To prepare a fluffy mash, allow the potatoes to steam dry in a colander before mashing.
• For the best mash texture, use varieties like “King Edward” or “Maris Piper.”
• Brown the mince evenly for flavor development.
• Cook the tomato puree until strongly flavored for a richer taste.
• Allow the shepherd’s pie to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it cool and cut easily.

Can You Make Shepherd’s Pie and Store It?

Yes, shepherd’s pie can be made and refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving. Ensure the dish cools fully to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. If baking directly from the fridge, increase the baking duration by about 5 to 10 minutes.

How to Store Shepherd’s Pie for Later Use

To store your assembled pie, do not bake it. Cool it completely, refrigerate for about two hours, then wrap tightly with cling film. You can keep it in the freezer for a month.

To Cook Frozen Shepherd’s Pie:

Remove the pie from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Increase the required cooking time by about 5 to 10 minutes. Frozen pies should be cooked at 170° Celsius (150° Celsius for electric) for 1 to 2 hours until very hot. Finish under a hot grill for a few minutes if desired to brown the top.

Understanding the Difference Between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie

The most significant distinction is that shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with lamb mince, while cottage pie is made with beef mince.